#chasulia

Original undercut

Okay so a few warnings about this:

1-I added all the ships I could find. If there is any missing, let me know and I'll add later.

2-This is my opinion and it isn't meant to be offensive to anyone. You can agree or disagree and it's totally fine. If you wanna do your own rankings, I would love to read it.

3-It's a long post that I've been writing for weeks. I made revisions but if something passed through me and you guys notice, you can tell me.

1-Red Crackle:

Is that even a surprise to anyone? Red Crackle is my whole life and owns my entire soul lol. But jokes aside, these two are just so linked and have a foundation not even time and space can separate. Even when they're apart by circunstances, they meet again. They always comeback to one another. Duane Capizzi said in this interview Carmen and Gray "will definitely meet again":

https://youtu.be/PIjX9rGvUmk?si=4paV3k7alKrt-B4f

And I haven't seen other interviews yet but in this specific interview the person just says Duane said Carmen doesn't see Gray in a flirty light and brushes it off asking about Carulia. Then Duane just talks more about Julia's character and then says, "if it's there, it's intentional" which indicates, from what I got, that the double meaning is there, you can choose how you see and interpret it. They could have made the carulia interactions more clear and chose not to do so on purpose. So I imagine the same thing applies to Red Crackle, Carmivy, Jeantonio, etc. The show ended so now is up to us to interpretate with what we have. Even if Duane, and the whole crew of the show overall, ship something, we can ship something different. As the show is not romance focused, we can choose from what we have. And no way there's no people who ship Red Crackle among the show staff. Michael Goldsmith(Gray's voice actor) seemed to ship. This guy seems to as well(not sure tho) considering the way he directed the holy trinity of Red Crackle episodes:

Gray's character is fundamental for Carmen to be the person she is. Can you picture Carmen jumping from the plane with El Topo, Le Chevre or Tigress? She trusted only Gray enough to do that. Without him she wouldn't have jumped, and would not realize what V.I.L.E. truly is about. And if so, a lot later, maybe too late. And at the end, they could have chosen Devineaux, Zari, Julia, or even Ivy to save Carmen with the A.C.M.E. machine. I think it would be kinda nice if it were Ivy so she would have an interaction with evil Carmen, like Zack had at the ferris wheel, and would impress A.C.M.E. instead of just randomly joining it with Zack out of nowhere at the end. But I'm glad it was Gray and then Shadowsan finished the job. The thing that gets to me is that she looks to the crackle rod on the floor and screams:"Gray!". The person she always prioritized the safety of the most was "dead", by her. Then she asks what has she done and I think here she could have also shown some concern for Devineaux and Julia. Specially Julia. Because Devineaux was there, standing, and depending on the impact of the thing that fell on her head, she could have died. And she seemed to faint under a curtain that also could kill her by asphyxiation if she didn't wake up on time. But the only thing she cared about was Gray. She could have remembered on screen she hurt other people too by seeing the crackle rod, but she only remembered Gray and I was like:"But what about Julia? Aren't you worried about her? Carmen is not gonna care about her at all? Really?" "That's it? That's the ending?" I believe that if there was no red crackle shipper there, the show would be a lot different. Gray's character wouldn't be so important as it was if that was the case. Speaking of which, I want a red crackle week because I never participated in one and I want to write an AU about what would have happened if Gray decided do join Team Red on the train to Paris and on the Himalayans and red crackle week is the perfect excuse for that. Also one if Carmen decided to go back to V.I.L.E. on the train to Paris to destroy them from the inside. If we have a Red Crackle Week it could be in December with a Christmas-themed vibe, @redcrackle-week ? Christmas is my favorite holiday and Red Crackle is one of my favorite ships, perfect combination.

2-Carmivy:

Again, no surprises. I've got nothing to say about this two that I haven't said before. They are so in love and they have my heart. I'll never understand why they are so underrated, they deserve more appreciation.

3-Jeantonio:

It's almost a crime that they aren't first place, but they were so close. They are like, the only ship the whole entire fandom agrees it's canon and I got mad respect for them for being able to unite the shipers because everyone likes them and wants to protect them(specially El Topo). They were clearly dating and were romantic boyfriends and I would do pretty much almost anything for them.

4-Cleobellum:

The same thing with Jeantonio, they are just a little bit lower because they don't have the general consent and less moments but to me they are a married couple.

5-Chasari/Zarineaux:

I think they would be the greatest girlboss and malewife ever. Devineaux is a dumbass but he would be Zari's dumbass. The little they interacted I could tell they would be an amazing couple. I just can see it. I can picture all their interactions perfectly in my head. When Zari fell into his arms, and the way Devineaux held her. Zari telling Devineaux not to be in her way and slowly getting softer to him with time, like, they would be such a good storyline. I wanted them together so badly so they deserve this place at my top 5.

6-Chasulia:

These two are a little bit lower because I'm not sure about them. At the start, they are a definite no. But after the fourth season Devineaux was prasing Julia the way she deserves to be praised and treating her better, redeeming for his past actions towards her and actually listening to her. He admited that he was wrong with Julia and did better. They are such adorable dorks together and while I love them as a platonic ship, I feel like they could also work romantically. It would be an interesting plot. I feel like most people think romance and friendship can't coexist but it can and it should. These two combined are one of the factors that make a good and healthy relationship and I feel like Devineaux and Julia have potential to be that way. I would like to know more about their Interpol days like why they were partnered together and how did they got to Carmen Sandiego, etc. So because of their wholesome platonic relationship that may or may not be affected my romance, they are a little bit lower but they are amazing and I love them.

7-CarChase:

This one, I did not expect to be this high up. First, the ship name is just as funny as "Red Crackle". Carmen and Devineaux did have quite a few number of car chases. Second, I'm aware that they have a 12 years age gap but I have a pretty high tolerance for age gaps. While I would rather not have an age gap too big for romantic relationships, 17 years age gap or less I don't mind. It bothers me a little, but it's not that big of a deal. If it's 18 years or more, it bothers me because I go like:"They could be their dad/mom." I just think they would be so funny together. The idea of them is surprisingly good. It makes me laugh when I think of Coach Brunt calling him handsome and Carmen being so done and after maybe going like:"He ain't ugly"(Carmen Sandiego is that kind of show that the animation is so pretty nothing and no one is ugly). And Carmen not wanting to see Devineaux because it's "really not a good time" and then seeying him even more to the point she doesn't mind it and even starts appreciating it. They would be a hell of enemies to friends to lovers story. They interact more than Carulia, but not as much as Chasulia so seventh place sounds about right for them. Not my favorite but I approve.

8-SpinTrap/FlyKick:

I don't know what their official ship name is but they are assigned partners and that, by V.I.L.E. standards, for me, usually means they make out. I wanted more development for both of their characters, which we don't know much about, so eighth place sounds nice. They clearly work well together and have a great harmony so I would say they are a cheaper version of Red Crackle. Like: "Kid:Mom, I want Red Crackle. Mom:We have Red Crackle at home." And they are the Red Crackle at home in question. Still, it works. Of course they are nothing compared to Red Crackle, but they still work. In the, idk three times we saw Spin Kick and Flytrap, you can tell they have the chemestry to convince people they are a romantic couple so this place is well deserved for them.

9-Dokusan:

No, you haven't read wrong, it means Shadowsan and Lady Dokuso. Just hear me out:I can picture it perfectly:They meet at V.I.L.E. academy, they fall in love, they start dating. But then, Shadowsan is promoted to a member of the faculty, a position Lady Dokuso also wanted, but she was happy for her boyfriend anyway. Then, it ends up not working out a faculty member dating a mere operative and then they break up but still love each other, but their relationship was full of ups and downs and they are both bitter and salty about it. Then, Shadowsan backfires V.I.L.E. and joins Team Red and Lady Dokuso can finally have a chance as a faculty member but at the cost of destroying Shadowsan. The drama, the angst, the complexity of loving each other but being different and being in two sides that can't collide or meet in the middle. If you stop to think about it, they are basically a toxic version of Red Crackle that went wrong(Yes, I use Red Crackle as a parameter to measure other couples because they are the standard). So why are they so high up? Because a sad ending love story can also work. Representativity matters and tragic love stories deserve to have some spotlight sometimes.

10-PaperTiger:

Warning, spoilers for every season of CS; If you haven't watched it yet, why haven't you?

Strange Sight - This song is from the Tinkerbell movies from Disney but it's so GOOD. It reminds me of the end of S1 and S2, particularly the integration of Shadow-san to Red Team. This song hits the feels EVERYTIME and I want to make a fanfiction about it. Particularly, it makes me think of the Rio caper, the Japan episode and boy's night with Zack, hahaha...

Cast the Bronze - By Raynes. Yet another Dadowsan song, this just reminds me of everything he's been through and everything he's willing to go through for Carmen after she changed his life. NO, I'M NOT OK, OK? I keep thinking of the last episode of the show ;_;

Mile Magnificent - By molly ofgeography. It is Carmen vibes all the way through. It just reminds me of Carmen and her journey in V.I.L.E. and how she became the person she is and took the path of good rather than choosing the easy way out.

I'm Okay - By Honest Men. Honestly it reminds me of the entire Red Team. It makes me think of the shenanigans they might've got themselves on while redecorating the warehouse, the impromptu movie nights, the a capela karaoke sessions between the twins, the times where each member orders different take out and they do takeout bufes. Just them having an overall good time together despite the circumstances and their individual pasts. <3

Innocently Annoying - By Elysewood. Reminds me of Graham, weirdly enough. Not just him but all of Carmen's former friends from V.I.L.E. after finding out why she left and starting to go up against her on missions. It's a little heartbreaking considering that other than Tigress they all got along very well, and we even see Le Chèvre and El Topo not wanting to fight her (and yet the one who's supposed to care for her most - the one she saw as a brother - tried to kill her on that train). Without context, I imagine the "friends" she left behind didn't understand her decisions.

All Eyes on You - By Smash Into Pieces. Carmen Song. Particularly the feeling she must've gotten from when she started to take on V.I.L.E. head on. She had Player but it's not like they had ever met. She got the twins but at that point they weren't really family. I think their relationships grew a lot and very fast, but Carmen was still the one with the target on her back (and the V.I.L.E. nightmares).

Suspicious Minds - By Elvis Presley. THIS ONE IS JUST FUNNY. Someone I talked to about the playlist called it "iconic", I think they put it best. Ofc it reminds me of S2 Ep3, but also you know Zack and Ivy would play that at the karaoke just to annoy Shadow-san, and he'd be secretly happy about it. I just know it!

More Than a Feeling - By Boston. Y'all, the official lyrics for this are "till I see Shadow-san walk awayyyy! ... I see my Shadow-san walking awayyyy..." and NO ONE can fight me about this.

Icarus - By Bastille. Reminds me of everyone in their own way. Carmen from going against V.I.L.E., it can't be an easy decision and from all the close calls she's had that we've seen... Zack with his recklessness and specially in the backstory episode - my heart was on my throat as well as Ivy's when his car capsized. Man I know Player says he has parents, but my boy acts like he lives with his grandma or something... By far the scene in the end of S4 broke my heart beyond belief. Shadow-san, I'd rant about my boy every and any day but I'll repeat myself too much. Ivy, gosh. Her insecurities are so palpable and relatable, I love her, how capable she is and yet how she puts Carmen in a pedestal she could never reach by comparison. As a bonus, Julia, from standing up to her beliefs despite having everyone go against her & Devineaux for all the danger he's been on, and I know him getting hurt is played for laughs and giggles in the show, but this man has suffered a lot and never, ever gave up. That's strength.

Wolves of the Revolution - By The Arcadian Wild. Red Team angst. Zack and Ivy's, Carmen and Shadow-san's individual upbringings, their struggles, their insecurities. The way they find solace in each other just enough to keep going. I think of the episode the twins got the offer to race for Mr. Sterling Sterling and when Carmen was recovering from Stockholm specifically.

Battle Cry - By The Family Crest. Gosh this song hits hard. I'm a Shadow-san and Carmen super fan, so ofc this reminds me of them. Specially I think how in the latter episodes Shadow-san seemed more reckless and getting hurt more? Letting Roudabout hit him (his line "I'm here for Carmen"), Lady Dokuso hit him with the ninja star, falling from the roof as well, breaking his leg; almost getting buried in ice after fighting Brunt (his line "Your constant treats to Carmen end here.") BRO. The song's lyrics? "I will fight for you, I would die for you" If that's not Shadow-san in the last episode of the show I don't know what is.

Liar - By The Arcadian Wild. Second Arcadian Wild song, it's not my fault their vibes fit Red Team. I'd argue Carmen song, but honestly it fits a bunch of people. Carmen, Shadow-san, Zack, Devineaux... This show is full of complex and interesting characters, what did you expect? But ultimately I think this song fits Devineaux particularly well- If you ship Chase x Julia is a pretty good song for that ship too!

House a Habit - By We Are the Guests. Red Team, post 2 year skip at the end? They all go back to San Diego (including Carmen's mom or not) and live together because GIVE ME BACK MY FOUND FAMILY DAMNIT!

Abandon Ship - By finn. AU where Shadow-san makes it to the boat and slowly adopts the rest of Red Team. Dadowsan vibes through the roof, he adopts Graham, he adopts Le Chèvre and El Topo, one big anti-V.I.L.E. happy family.

Ship In a Bottle - By finn. I needed to add this song too. This is Carmen song, lyrics, music, it's just her. The way she packs lightly because she has nothing to her name and doesn't know anything about her family for the longest time. S1 Carmen allegory.

Will I Find My Home - By Juniper Vale & Van Izak. Found Family Allegory.

Rule #9 - Child of the Stars - By Fish in a Birdcage. Shadow-san about Carmen. Her bright eyes, her soft hands, ready to take on the world, it just fits.

Rule #23 - Birds of a Feather - By Fish in a Birdcage. Another Carmen song. Specially the first part.

Never Love an Anchor - By The Crane Wives. Lot's of Dadowsan songs in this but hey, I got a type ig... This one really hits on the feels of Shadow-san always being cold towards young Carmen,

Northen Star - By Dom Fera. Finally a Player song. Just Player thoughts when he is helping Carmen.

Carnivore - By Bear Attack! Ok, hear me out... Just Carmen dealing with the feelings of aftermath when Graham keeps flirting with her despite her not being interest in him or Carmen upset at Graham for his betrayal in the first episode, specially because she saw him as a big brother, and he blames her for interfering in their mission when she's the one doing the right thing. Could be platonic or ship.

The Graduate - By Arcadian Wild. The guitar in their songs really do fit Carmen's vibes. This just reminds me of young Carmen growing up in V.I.L.E. island and stepping out from that life after finding out the truth. The name of the song also has a cool ring to it "graduate" as if her failing the graduation from thief school, made her graduate in something else...

Tightrope - This is a song from The Greatest Showman musical (a movie). I think this could easily be a ship song for any ship in this show, honestly, specially because it's supposed to be a romantic song in the movie, but it's not just that, you know? It's a family song as well, so I see it as a good song for Red Team and their found family!

Providence - By Poor Man's Poison. This song is just a vibe. Honestly feels like a V.I.L.E. song, lowkey? Just the vibes of joining the school and abandoning your morals to get rich and "official" join the league of villains after graduation, must be a weird feeling right?

Wish you the Worse - By Ryan Mack. Same vibes as Carnivore by Bear Attack! (earlier on the playlist), but more chill I'd say. Reminds me of Carmen antagonizing Shadow-san in S1, talking smack about him and feeling proud of showing him how good of a thief she really is, but still having nightmares about him; proving she does care about his opinion. The line "Fuck you and all your friends" I just imagine Carmen saying that to Shadow-san "all your friends" being the rest of the faculty, who, aside from Brunt, Carmen doesn't give enough of a shit about to mention.

Lost - By finn. Spotify tends to recommend songs from the same artists to your playlists, it's not my fault they fi, so yeah multiple songs from the same people. The Chorus motif with the guitar is SO GOOD, it fits Carmen's evasive personality amazingly. This song just reminds me of her reluctance to have a base building, and traveling the worlds with no clue where to end up next. "If I'm found I'll end up lost." If I settle in a place, it'll remind me too much of V.I.L.E., aside from that last year, she grew up in the place, no wonder she's conflicted about it, despite going against their ideals.

Noseblead Seats - By Vansire. Travelling around the world, by plane or car, I assume Team Red got at least ONE road trip on their pasts and this is the song I imagine playing thorough it.

Inkpot Gods - By The Amazing Devil. Shadow-san/Carmen song each respectively to their "dad". Take that as you will.

Mostly - By Vian Izak & Juniper Vale. A moment of vulnerability between the team. Here's what I'm picturing. One night, Carmen Zack Ivy and Shdoaw-san are on call with Player and they start talking about one of V.I.L.E.'s current plans and somehow, the twins clumsiness comes up. Ivy and Zack then confess they don't feel ready, they never have, they're just wigging it and it's showing; all the comments they've been hearings, all the failures they've been through are starting to get to them and they feel... worthless. So, Carmen confesses she doesn't always know what to do either, that she too feels unprepared, like she's not enough, and that the reason she powers through and that she can keep going is because of the amazing people that she's met along the way and that have supported her. Player also let's them know, he's always scared, scared he'll fail, or won't be on time, or that there's nothing he can do as he hears his friends struggle through the speakers. Finally, Shadow-san let's them know they're doing great and that, through his life, he's made so many mistakes, he's failed time and time over and his decisions disappoint him beyond measuring, but for everything he's been through, for all the moments he felt desperate because he didn't know what to do... he's glad he lived the life the way he did, because it led him there, to that moment with those people, and he couldn't be more grateful for it.

Keen eyesigh

"Miss Julia?"

"M-mr. Devineaux."

Julia had stumbled into their office room, almost hitting the door frame. Chase squints.

"You can call me Chase, remember?"

There was something different about her.

"Miss Julia, where are your glasses?"

She sighs. "So you have noticed..."

"Of course I have noticed!" He stands up from his desk. "Who do you take me for?" A misogynist? Bad friend? A bully? An assh-. Okay, maybe there wasn't much of a reason for her to believe he would notice.

"Never mind that, is there a reason for them to be missing?"

She looks to the side, avoiding his face. "An accident. I am waiting for replacements."

That was odd. "Usually, I'm the one who gets into accidents..."

"Yes, well it was raining and I don't exactly have a keen eyesigh..." She sounds a little mad.

"I was not judging you, Miss Julia. I was merely stating the obvious."

She doesn't look any less dejected.

"And you know, I'm always being clumsy, even with my keen eyesight..." He rubs the back of his head.

"That is true..." He gives her a deadpan look, and she realises what she said. "I didn't mean it like that!"

He smiles. "I know." His heart skips a beat seeing the blush on her cheeks.

Just then, Zari passes by the door. "Agent Argent." She hands Julia a little box. "Here are your new prescription glasses." She glances at Chase then back at Julia. "You two really were made for each other."

Then she leaves, ignoring Chase's indignant 'what is that supposed to mean?'.

Julia giggles, "Maybe we really are more similar than I thought."